Brisbane has been grappling with worsening traffic congestion over the past few years. According to a 2023 report by leading transportation analytics company, INRIX, Queensland’s capital has become the most traffic-congested city in Australia. According to reports, Brisbane drivers lose an average of 74 hours annually due to traffic delays, a 10% increase from 2022.
This congestion places Brisbane 12th globally among the most traffic-congested cities, surpassing major cities like Dublin, Rome, and Bangkok. Let’s take a closer look at why Brisbane traffic is getting worse.
Traffic Hotspots
There are several key areas in Brisbane that have been identified as significant traffic bottlenecks:
- Centenary Motorway: Between the Ipswich Motorway and Toowong, this route has returned to pre-COVID congestion levels. This motorway causes drivers to spend an additional 14:36 minutes in traffic during peak times, compared to off-peak.
- Gateway Motorway: From Nudgee to Pine River Bridge, this motorway is heavily congested in the afternoon peak. The average speeds drop to 43.1 km/h, resulting in an extra 11:27 minutes of travel time each day.
- Pacific Motorway: The section between Nielsens Road and the Logan River Bridge is another frustrating pinch point. This section can add an extra 13:45 minutes to your round trip during peak times.
Public Sentiment
The public are not happy with the increasing traffic congestion. Daily traffic impacts our quality of life as we have less time for our hobbies and time with loved ones.
A survey conducted by the Royal Automotive Club of Queensland (RACQ) revealed that 73% of people believe Brisbane traffic has worsened, with many of these residents describing feelings of frustration over the time lost in traffic.
Reasons for Worsening Traffic
So, what is causing all this traffic? Well, several factors contribute to the worsening traffic conditions in Brisbane:
- Population Growth: South-east Queensland's population is projected to grow to 5.41 million by 2041, a 44% increase from 2020. This population boom, particularly in outer suburbs like Ipswich and the Gold Coast, has led to more cars on the roads.
- Car Dependency: The outer suburban areas, which are expected to see the most significant population growth, have relatively poor access to public transport. As a result, this car dependency exacerbates traffic congestion.
- Infrastructure Lag: While there have been some improvements, infrastructure development has not kept pace with population growth. Therefore, this delay has added to the congestion woes.
Upcoming Projects and Their Potential Impact
Thankfully, several projects are underway or planned to address Brisbane's traffic issues:
- Brisbane Metro: Set to launch in late 2024, a high-capacity, electric metro system aims to revolutionise public transport in Brisbane. The metro will integrate seamlessly with existing bus services, providing more travel options.
- Gateway Motorway Upgrades: Additionally, upgrades to the Gateway Motorway are expected to alleviate some congestion issues. However, the timeline for completion remains a concern.
- Coomera Connector: A new exciting road project is planned to reduce congestion on the Pacific Motorway by providing an alternative route between Nerang and Coomera.
- Active Transport Bridges: Brisbane City Council is also constructing new bridges to promote walking and cycling. Hopefully, this will help reduce the number of cars on the road.
The Road Ahead
While these projects offer hope, they may not be sufficient to fully address the growing traffic issues. The Brisbane City Council and the Queensland government need to continue investing in both road infrastructure and public transport to keep pace with the city's growth. Additionally, promoting higher density development in well-serviced suburbs could also help reduce the need for long commutes from outer areas.
Brisbane’s traffic solutions
Brisbane's traffic congestion is a multifaceted issue driven by rapid population growth, car dependency, and lagging infrastructure development. While several projects are in the pipeline to improve the situation, the city's traffic woes are likely to persist.
Brisbane residents need a concerted effort to balance development with timely infrastructure upgrades to promote alternative modes of transport. As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics, addressing these traffic challenges will be crucial to ensuring the city's infrastructure can support both residents and visitors.
